The vote is a major victory for gay rights activists and their allies, who had never won an election on the issue. They also won ballot questions Tuesday on gay rights in Maine and Maryland.

It doesn't change things in Minnesota. A state law still makes gay marriage illegal.

Supporters of the amendment had said it was necessary to make it tougher for courts or the Legislature to overturn the law. But opponents raised millions to persuade voters it amounted to discrimination.

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